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LOT 289
Attractive Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849
Pocket Percussion Revolver with Ivory Grip - Serial no. 76913, 31 cal., 6 inch octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, antique ivory grips. This revolver was manufactured in
1853, and was almost certainly engraved by Master Engraver Gustave Young, whose shop was Colt’s main contractor for
engraving. The barrel, loading lever, frame, and grip frame are engraved in his distinctive inhabited scroll patterns. Take particular note of the two animal
head designs by the wedge and the third by the hammer screw on the left side as well as the wolf head design on the hammer. The latter has three dots
on the spur indicating time charged for engraving. The “Saml Colt” barrel marking and “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the frame are also hand inscribed in the
same style as on other revolvers engraved by Young. The cylinder has the standard stagecoach scene. Matching serial numbers are stamped on the loading
lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap as well as hand-written in the back strap mortise of the grip.
CONDITION: Fine with 70% original silver plating on the grip straps remaining and
displaying dark aged patina, 30% bright original high polish blue on the barrel, patches of
original blue on the cylinder, traces of original case colors, mostly gray patina on the
balance, some minor oxidation, and general minor wear. Most of the cylinder pins
remain. The grip is very fine and has some slight shrinkage from age, attractive yellowed
patina and natural grain, and mild handling wear. Mechanically functions. A solid original
example of a Gustave Young factory engraved Colt Model 1849 percussion revolver.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 288
Very Fine Presentation
Cased Civilian
Production Colt Model
1860 Army Percussion
Revolver with Extraordinary Republic of
Mexico Relief Eagle Motif Carved Ivory Grip -
Serial no. 153758, 44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened/silver finish, carved antique ivory
grips. The revolver was manufactured in 1865 and
has mostly standard commercial markings and
features, including matching visible serial numbers.
However, the left side of the trigger guard has an unusual “44 36 CAL”
(factory error) marking, and the “3” in the serial number on the trigger
guard is double stamped. The antique ivory grip has a raised relief caving
of a spread wing golden eagle with a rattlesnake in one claw and its
beak and perched on a cactus and surrounded by oak and laurel leaves
along with a banner inscribed “REPUBLICA MEXICANA” at the bottom. The
design is different from many of the post-Civil War Mexican coat of arms
themed carved grips found on Colt revolvers. Mexico was a key market
for Colt firearms following the Civil War when government contracts in
the U.S. were reduced heavily as the army was rapidly reduced. The revolver comes in a very attractive mahogany presentation case with dark blue lining, a martial themed powder flask with slanted charger,
blued “COLTS/PATENT” bullet mold, blued L-shaped combination tool, cap tin, cartridge pack marked “6 Combustible Envelope/CARTRIDGES/MADE OF BLACK POWDER & PURE LEAD/EXPRESSLY FOR/COL. COLT’S
PATENT/NEW MODEL/REVOLVING HOLSTER PISTOL/44/100 inch Calibre”, and a key.
CONDITION: Very fine with 70% plus original blue and 80% casehardened finish, patches of original silver plating, aged patinas on the silver and exposed brass, and general light scratches and marks. The markings
remain crisp. All but one of the cylinder pins remain. The grip is very fine and has attractive natural grain and coloration, mild handling wear, mostly distinct carving, several minor age cracks, and minor edge wear.
Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are very fine with minimal age and storage related wear. This is a very fine Colt Model 1860 Army with a very attractive carved ivory grip, case, and accessories.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection; The Jim Eplen Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000